2001 09 05 ALRC Minutes
MINUTES
ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
A regular meeting held at the La Guinta City Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Guinta, CA
September 5, 2001
10:00 a.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. This meeting of the Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
was called to order at 10:07 a.m. by Planning Manager Christine di lorio,
who led the flag salute.
B. Committee Members present: Dennis Cunningham and Bill Bobbitt.
C. Staff present: Planning Manager Christine di lorio, Principal Planner Stan
Sawa, Management Analyst Maria Casillas, Associate Planners Greg
Trousdell, Wally Nesbit, Michele Rambo, and Executive Secretary Betty
Sawyer.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio asked if there were any changes to
the Minutes of July 11, 2001. There being no corrections, it was moved
and seconded by Committee Members Cunningham/Bobbitt to approve
the minutes as submitted.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Caoital Prooertv Imorovement Proaram 2001-006; a request of Robert
Capetz, Sun Vista Development Corporation for review of a request for
an extension to commence work to construct a screening wall and
remove and replace landscaping for the property located at 51-370
Avenida Bermudas.
1. Management Analyst Maria Casillas presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
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2. Mr. Robert Capetz stated he would like time to re-evaluate the
application as previously submitted. Committee Member
Cunningham stated it was up to him whether or not he resubmit
his application. In regard to the wall, it was approved as
requested by the applicant at that time. If Mr. Capetz would like
to change the work to be done, it was up to him. Following
discussion, it was determined the applicant would continue with
his request to extend the work commencement date and during
that time make a decision as to whether or not to continue with
this application or submit a new application.
3. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Committee Members Cunningham/Bobbitt to adopt Minute Motion
2001-031 to extend the time to commence work to October 16,
2001.
B. Site DeveloDment Permit 2001-705; a request of Kristi Hanson for
review of building elevations and landscaping plans for Las Casuelas
restaurant located at the northwest corner of Highway 111 and
Washington Street within Point Happy Specific Plan.
1. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
2. Committee Member Bobbitt asked staff to explain the roof tile to
be used. Staff stated they are requesting to use barrel tile.
3. Committee Member Cunningham asked the applicant what they
proposed in regard to the tile. Ms. Kristi Hanson, representing the
applicant, stated it was up to the developer to apply for a Specific
Plan Amendment to the Council for approval. Committee Member
Cunningham commended the applicant on the design of the
building.
4. Committee Member Bobbitt agreed and asked where the trash
enclosure was to be located. Ms. Hanson explained on the plans
the location.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Committee Members Cunningham/Bobbitt to adopt Minute Motion
2001-032 recommending approval of Site Development Permit
2001-705, subject to the conditions as submitted.
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C. Site Development Permit 2001-709; a request of Bart Rinker for review
of building elevations and landscaping plans for a 23,184 square foot
retail/service building located at the southeast corner of Highway 111
and Dune Palms Road, within the Dune Palms Center.
1 . Associate Planner Wally Nesbit presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
2. Mr. Bob Ricciardi, representing the applicant, gave a presentation
on the project.
3. Committee Member Cunningham clarified that the staff
recommended tile treatment would be added to the columns, but
not the building's front elevation. Mr. Ricciardi stated that was
what they would request.
4. Committee Member Bobbitt asked what plans were being taken to
make sure the mechanical equipment was hidden. Mr. Ricciardi
stated this was a taller building and it would have a parapet wall
high enough to hide it. Mr. Ricciardi asked that the largest tree
they plant be a 36-inch box.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Committee Members Cunningham/Bobbitt to adopt Minute Motion
2001-033 recommending approval of Site Development Permit
2001-709, subject to the conditions as recommended.
D. Site Development Permit 2001-710; a request of Cody & Brady
Architects for review of building elevations and landscaping plans for a
construction gatehouse at Tradition for the property located on the south
side of Avenue 52, east of the intersection of Washington Street
1 . Associate Planner Michele Rambo presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
2. Committee Member Cunningham asked if the tile would be random
mudded. Staff stated a condition could be added to require this.
3. Committee Member Bobbitt asked the purpose of the gatehouse.
Staff stated it was for maintenance and construction vehicles.
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4. Committee Member Cunningham asked what would be used on
the windows. Staff explained the trim would be painted a satin
black.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Committee Members Cunningham/Bobbitt to adopt Minute Motion
2001-034 recommending approval of Site Development Permit
2001-710, as requested.
It was moved and seconded by Committee Members Bobbitt/Cunningham to take Item
"E" last to allow the applicant time to arrive. Unanimously approved.
G. Site Development Permit 2001-713; a request of Rancho Capistrano
Development Corporation for review of building elevations and
landscaping plans for three new prototype residential units located north
of Avenue 54 and east of Jefferson Street within Country Club of the
Desert.
1 . Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained
in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community
Development Department.
2. Committee Member Cunningham stated the design is in keeping
with the other buildings. Unless there is something obviously
wrong or there was a problem with the design, he believed that
within gated communities the market will determine whether or
not the design of the houses would be successful.
3. Committee Member Bobbitt stated the style of architecture is
different, but in keeping with what is occurring in the desert. To
him, the design is somewhat box-like.
4. Committee Member Cunningham stated the chimney stacks need
to be dealt with architecturally and built as designed.
5. Committee Member Bobbitt asked why the landscape plans were
not included and are these stand alone units with zero lot lines.
Staff stated the landscaping would be as submitted in the designs
and they were stand alone units. Committee Member Bobbitt
stated there needs to be enough drainage in the sideyard so
ponding does not occur.
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6. Committee Member Cunningham asked if the sideyard
responsibility is given to one owner. Mr. Robert Wilkenson, stated
that is what is proposed. Committee Member Cunningham stated
it needs to be added to the CC&R's to make it clear to the
property owners as well as a disclosure at the time of the sale.
7. Committee Member Bobbitt stated another issue is a swimming
pool where the electrical and/or gas lines go through the
neighbor's sideyard easement. It should also be disclosed.
8. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Committee Members Cunningham/Bobbitt to adopt Minute Motion
2001-035 recommending approval of Site Development Permit
2001-713, as recommended.
F. Tentative Tract Map 30092; a request of Barton Properties for review of
conceptual parkway landscaping plans for a 97 lot residential subdivision
located at the northwest corner of Avenue 58 and Monroe Street.
1. Associate Planner Greg Trousdell presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
2. Committee Member Cunningham asked staff to explain the wall.
Staff stated it would be six or eight feet depending on the Public
Works Department height requirement for the berm, but it would
have delineation and be stucco or slumpstone.
3. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if the tract would be custom
lots. Staff stated the lots would be sold to individual builders for
construction. The applicant was considering resubmitting the map
for changes.
4. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Committee Members Cunningham/Bobbitt to adopt Minute Motion
2001-036 recommending approval of Tentative Tract Map 30092,
as recommended by staff.
H. Capital Improvement Proiect 2001-694; a request of the City for review
of the building elevations and landscaping plans for the La Quinta
Community Park.
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1 . Planning Manager Christine di Iorio presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
2. Committee Member Bobbitt asked why staff was requesting the
change in the tree type. Staff stated to bring a variety of shade
trees to the area. Discussion followed regarding the different tree
types.
3. Committee Member Cunningham stated the building design was
choppy. Architecturally, in that section of town, all of the
subdivisions are built with the red tile roof, and the two schools
are contemporary. This building looks like a 1972 Clerestory look
which does not tie in with any of the other architecture. The
maintenance will be high due to the type of use it will have. The
building needs to "defend" itself against weather and use. The
group storage doors should be metal and have enough color on
them to last and not burn out creating more maintenance. He did
not like the gable chopped off in the front. It could have a simple
hipped roof to keep in style with the surrounding neighborhoods
or take a more modern look. He would like to see this tie in
architecturally with the City Hall or High School look. A wood
trellis is absolutely wrong. It should be metal. Maybe it could be
a split-face block to keep it more natural. The roofline is wrong.
A flat roof with a raised parapet would be better. The doors need
to be a box steel to take the abuse. A series of vents that could
be hosed from the ground would be more attractive than the
proposed grill work.
4. Committee Member Bobbitt stated he concurred with Committee
Member Cunningham's statements. It has a look of the '70's and
will be a maintenance nightmare.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Committee Members Cunningham/Bobbitt to adopt Minute Motion
2001-037 recommending approval of Capital Improvement Project
2001-694, as amended:
a. Revise the plan to be more compatible with the High
School, new school, or City Hall architecture.
b. Doors shall be made of industrial steel.
c. Wood trellis shall be replaced with a metal trellis.
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d. Consideration should be given to using a different roof tile
e. Prior to issuance of a building permit the landscape plan
shall be redesigned to show another tree species that
flowers during the winter months to be located along
Adams Street and at the northeast corner of Westward Ho
Drive and Adams Street.
E. Site DeveloDment Permit 2001-712; a request of Michael Shovlin for
Staples for review of building elevations and landscaping plans for a
23,492 square foot commercial building for the property located on the
north side of Highway 111, east of Washington Street, within the One
Eleven La Guinta Shopping Center.
1 . Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained
in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community
Development Department.
2. Mr. Dave Smalley, representing Desert Cities, stated the intent
was to provide continuous shade. They did recognize it will
obscure the Postal Place sign and would reduce the size so as not
to obscure the Postal Place and still provide a shaded walkway. He
continued to give a presentation on the project.
3. Committee Member Bobbitt stated he likes the use of the
bougainvilleas and asked what the chainlink fence area was. Mr.
Smalley stated it was a loading area. Committee Member Bobbitt
stated there had been complaints from the property owners to the
north regarding the rear architecture. Mr. Smally stated the
existing landscaping should block the view.
4. Committee Member Cunningham stated it was compatible with the
remainder of the Center and he had no objections.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Committee Members Cunningham! Bobbitt to adopt Minute Motion
2001-038 recommending approval of Site Development Permit
2001-712, as requested.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None
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VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS:
A. Staff informed the Committee that the Community Services Department
was asking each Commission/Committee/Board to nominate a member
to serve on the City's 20th Anniversary Celebration Committee.
Following discussion Committee Member Bill Bobbitt was selected.
B. Staff informed the Committee there would be a joint meeting with the
City Council, Planning Commission, and ALRC on September 25, 2001
at 5:30 p.m.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Committee Members
Cunningham/Bobbitt to adjourn this regular meeting of the Architecture and
Landscaping Review Committee to a regular meeting to be held on October 3, 2001.
This meeting was adjourned at 11 :24 a.m. on September 5, 2001.
Respectfully submitted,
~~~~
:' ~v aL~)V
. ET ~ YER, Executive Secretary
City of t.:a Quinta, California
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